Given Norway’s well-known tax complexity, understanding the true costs of company formation and maintenance is essential. This overview details the typical expenses involved in establishing and running a standard limited company (Aksjeselskap, or AS) in Norway as of 2025, based strictly on official and reliable sources.
Typical Costs to Establish a Norwegian Private Limited Company (AS) in 2025
The process of starting an Aksjeselskap (AS) in Norway involves both statutory minimums and expected ancillary costs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the creation expenses according to current requirements and industry averages, denominated in Norwegian krone (NOK). For convenience, approximate USD equivalents are provided using a mid-market rate of 1 NOK = 0.10 USD (NOK 10 = USD 1).
| Cost Item | Amount (NOK) | Amount (USD, ~0.10 USD/NOK) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum share capital requirement | 30,000 NOK | $3,000 |
| Company registration fee (online, Brønnøysund Register Centre) | 5,570 NOK | $557 |
| Average legal/lawyer fees for company formation (optional but common) | 1,062 NOK | $106 |
| Total Indicative Creation Cost | 36,632 NOK | $3,663 |
The minimum share capital must be deposited at the time of company formation, but these funds can be used for the business upon establishment. Optional expenses such as legal consultations are frequent but not obligatory and can vary by provider.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs in Norway (2025)
Ongoing yearly costs for Norwegian AS companies typically range depending on company activities, requirements, and optional services. The table below outlines the most common maintenance items:
| Annual Cost Item | Amount (NOK) | Amount (USD, ~0.10 USD/NOK) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual reporting fee (Brønnøysund Register Centre) | 1,450 NOK | $145 |
| Mandatory accounting/auditor services (if required) | 12,000 NOK | $1,200 |
| Tax filing/accountant fees (average) | 5,000 NOK | $500 |
| Business insurance (basic, optional but recommended) | 1,550 NOK | $155 |
| Typical Annual Cost Range | 5,570 – 20,000 NOK | $557 – $2,000 |
The primary recurring cost is for accounting and compliance, which may vary considerably based on company turnover, complexity, and whether auditing is mandatory (currently required for firms above specific thresholds). Insurance is not required by law for all companies but is standard practice for risk mitigation.
Sources for Norwegian Company Costs and Regulations
Pro Tips: Managing Norwegian Company Formation and Maintenance Costs
- Carefully plan for the minimum share capital: These funds are not an administrative fee but will become working capital for your business after formation.
- Consider doing filings online whenever possible: Digital registration with the Brønnøysund Register Centre is usually faster and less expensive than paper-based processes.
- Account for professional service fees upfront: While legal and accounting fees are not always mandatory, most businesses find them essential and should budget accordingly.
- Check your audit obligations early: Audit requirements are turnover- and size-dependent, so verify if your AS will need audited accounts from inception.
Overall, starting and maintaining a standard Norwegian AS in 2025 involves both statutory and practical costs, with legal and accounting requirements adding to the country’s well-established regulatory burden. For entrepreneurs and business owners, understanding these expenses is critical to budgeting effectively and maintaining ongoing compliance. The most significant outlay is typically the required share capital, but annual reporting, accounting, and optional insurance are regular recurring costs to factor into your projections.